RICK ALVERSON

RICK ALVERSON (1971) is a filmmaker and musician from Richmond, Virginia. He has made four feature films in conjunction with the independent label Jagjaguwar. His first, The Builder (2010), is an existential character study of an Irish immigrant at odds with the promise of America. New Jerusalem (2011), his second feature, starring Colm O'leary (The Builder) and Will Oldham (Matewan, Old Joy), again considered the immigrant experience but this time through the lens of religious ideology. New Jerusalem premiered at the 40th International Film Festival Rotterdam and SXSW in 2011. His third feature, The Comedy, premiering in competition at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, is a tale of the perils of entitlement set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The feature was produced by Mike S. Ryan (Meek's Cutoff), Brent Kunkle and Glass Eye Pix and stars Tim Heidecker (Tim & Eric's Billion Dollar Movie) in his first major dramatic role. In 2011, he was awarded a Visual Arts Fellowship from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. He also has directed videos for Bonny Prince Billy (New Wonder) and Gregor Samsa (Jeroen Van Aken). Upcoming films include a reconstruction era drama entitled Clement, to be produced in 2012, and Rabbit, both of which continue his collaboration with Colm O'Leary. In addition to his directorial work he has released 9 records on Jagjaguwar, most recently with his band Spokane in 2007.

We cannot (and will not) contain our excitement. Director Rick Alverson’s critically acclaimed film, The Comedy, is now out on DVD! You can purchase a physical copy on Amazon or from other in-store retailers. Included on the DVD are special deleted scenes and audio commentary with Tim Heidecker and Rick Alverson. If streaming or downloading is more your style, watch it easily on Netflix, iTunes, or Amazon Instant Video.

Tuesday, the A.V. Club made The Comedy its new to DVD movie “Pick Of The Week,” calling the film “a spiritual successor to Mike Nichols’ The Graduate and Carnal Knowledge.” New Video also featured the film’s release, claiming that Rick Alverson’s “powerful and provocative character study touches a darkness behind the humor that resonates with viewers long after the story ends.”

We are pleased to share the news that Hammer To Nail have awarded Rick Alverson with the Silver Nail award! It is handed out annually to the individual who delivers “the best cinematic one-two punch.” Alverson received the award for his films The Comedy and New Jerusalem, as well as the music video he directed for Jagjaguwar artist Sharon Van Etten! Hammer To Nail have also listed The Comedy at #1 in their Top 15 Films of 2012. Congratulations Rick!

Following the success of Rick Alverson’s critically acclaimed film, The Comedy, Factory 25 releases New Jerusalem, his movie about an Irish immigrant upon his return from military service in Afghanistan. New Jerusalem opens tonight at Williamsburg’s Videoology and runs until December 6. Tonight’s screening will be followed by a Q&A with star Colm O’Leary and Producer Courtney Bowles, while Alverson joins both O’Leary and Bowles for a Q&A after tomorrow’s screening. Watch a clip of New Jerusalem, starring Will Oldham, above.

In addition to the screenings in New York City, New Jerusalem will also play at Chicago’s Facets Multimedia from December 7 to December 13 and in San Francisco at Roxie Theater on December 21-27. You will find the film available digitally and as VOD on iTunes, Amazon, VuDu, Sony Playstation and Xbox.

The original soundtrack for “The Comedy” is available now exclusively through iTunes! It’s the perfect pairing, taking each listener through the “autumn of the American Era.”Gardens & Villa, Here We Go Magic, Bill Fay, GAYNGS and Donnie & Joe Emerson are just a few of the awesome artists featured on the soundtrack. You can check out the full track-list below and expect a vinyl release come November 13. Watch a clip from “The Comedy,” featuring an excerpt from William Basinski’s The Disintegration Loops, above. Read the rest of this entry »